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κῦμα

kŷma

G2949 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A swelling or heaving of water; specifically, a wave or billow as seen on the surface of the sea or a large body of water. By extension, used for any surging mass, such as a surge of emotion or a figurative upheaval. In literature, may connote both the physical motion of waves as well as metaphorical agitation or unrest.

Semantic Range

wave, billow, surge (of water), swell, figurative disturbance or agitation

Root / Etymology

From the root κῦ- (to swell) with the noun-forming suffix -μα; the verb form κυέω is related (to swell, be pregnant), indicating a swelling motion or shape. Related to classical Greek terms for swelling, heaving, or being full.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, κῦμα primarily denoted the physical waves or surges of the sea, often with connotations of upheaval or being tossed about (Homeric and later poetry, as well as maritime prose). In the Septuagint and New Testament, κῦμα is used especially to evoke the image of stormy or dangerous waters, both literally and, at times, in a metaphorical sense to describe agitation or turmoil. English translations usually render κῦμα as 'wave,' which captures the primary physical sense but can lose the figurative and emotional resonance present in some contexts. Not to be confused with related terms like ὄμβρος (rainstorm) or λίμνη (lake), which denote different aspects of water or weather phenomena. The use of κῦμα in narrative often emphasizes the power or unpredictability of nature, especially the sea, and by extension any great force that causes disturbance or upheaval.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (to swell (with young), i.e. bend, curve); a billow (as bursting or toppling):--wave.

Root Family

κῦμα (kyma) — swell, heave, billow, surge

Root κῦ- to swell, to heave, to be full

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2949-02 κυμάτων kumaton N GEN N PL waves of heaving waves waves 2
G2949-01 κύματα kumata N NOM N PL waves surging billows surging billows 2

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2949-02 Matthew 8:24 κυμάτων kumaton N GEN N PL waves of heaving waves waves
G2949-02 Matthew 14:24 κυμάτων kumaton N GEN N PL waves of heaving waves waves
G2949-01 Mark 4:37 κύματα kumata N NOM N PL waves surging billows waves
G2949-01 Jude 1:13 κύματα kumata N NOM N PL wild waves surging billows surging billows
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